Garment with cup part

ABSTRACT

A garment  1  having a cup part in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a brassiere part  20  having a pair of cup parts  21  for covering breasts, while being substantially free of a back part encircling a back to support the pair of cup parts  21 , and a main part  10  incorporating the brassiere part  20  therein. The brassiere part  20  is provided so as to join to left and right side parts of the main part  10 , while remaining parts are free from the main part  10 . The main part  10  has a tightening part  11  covering at least lower and side regions of the brassiere part  20  out of peripheral regions of the pair of cup parts  21 , and encircling a torso.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a garment having a cup for covering a breast.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, brassieres have widely been known as garments having cup parts for covering breasts. Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose undergarments (foundation garments) which adjust the shape of at least the upper half of the body as a garment having a cup part. In these shaping undergarments, the undergarment main part is integrally formed with the cup part. As a garment having a cup part, Patent Literature 3 discloses an undergarment which is free of the body shape adjustment function. In this undergarment, the cup part is incorporated in a typical undergarment such as a camisole. Also known as an undergarment incorporating a cup part is one in which a so-called brassiere structure is incorporated in a typical undergarment. An example of this kind of undergarment incorporating the cup part is illustrated in FIGS. 28 (front side) and 29 (back side).

An undergarment 1X illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 comprises an undergarment main part 10X having a so-called tank top form and a brassiere part 20X sewn to the inside of the main part 10X. The brassiere part 20X has a pair of cup parts 21X, a base part 31X which is sewn to lower portions 21 b and lower side of side portions 21 c of the pair of cup parts 21X so as to support the pair of cup parts 21X, and a back part 32X which is sewn to lower side of side portions 31 b of the base part 31X so as to encircle the back and support the pair of cup parts 21X and base part 31X. In this brassiere part 20X, upper side of side portions 21 a of the cup parts 21X and upper side of side portions 31 a of the base part 31X are sewn to front side of side portions of the main part 10 through side cloths 23X (as illustrated by a sewing sign S11), the upper portions 32 a and side portions 32 b of the back part 32X are sewn to the neck hem and back side of side portions of the main part 10X (as illustrated by sewing signs S12, S13), respectively, and remaining parts are free from the main part 10.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.     H11-158704 -   Patent Literature 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No.     H02-032641 -   Patent Literature 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.     2008-095247

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Meanwhile, a brassiere typically comprises a base part which is sewn to lower portions and lower side of side portions of a cup part so as to support the cup part and a back part which is sewn to the base part so as to encircle the back and support the base part, and the base and back parts enable the cup part to securely receive the own weight of the breast. Thus, the brassiere enhances its breast shaping property by strong supporting forces of the base and back parts.

In the undergarment 1X illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, which achieves a comfortable feel of wearing it, tightening forces of the base part 31X and back part 32X are weaker than those in brassieres, however. As a result, the breast shaping property is weaker in the undergarment 1X (thus yielding a problem in the shaping property).

When a wearer of the undergarment 1X acts to twist or stretch and contract the body, the brassiere part 20X and the main part 10X may pull each other, so as to worsen the feel of wearing it or make the cup part 21X easier to disengage from the breast (thus yielding a problem in motion followability).

The problem in the shaping property seems to be improvable by enhancing the tightening forces of the base part 31X and back part 32X in the undergarment 1X as well. This structure, in which the brassiere part and the main part still pull each other, fails to improve the problem in motion followability, however. Further, enhancing the tightening forces of the base part 31X and back part 32X makes it harder for the brassiere part 20X once shifted by an action of the wearer to return. That is, enhancing the breast shaping property makes the problem in motion followability more serious.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garment having a cup part which can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup part to the breast at the same time.

Solution to Problem

The garment having a cup part in accordance with the present invention comprises a brassiere part having a pair of cup parts for covering a breast and a main part incorporating the brassiere part therein. The brassiere part is substantially free of a back part encircling a back to support the pair of cup parts. The brassiere part is provided so as to join to left and right side parts of the main part, while remaining parts are free from the main part. The main part has a tightening part encircling a torso. The tightening part covers at least lower and side regions of the brassiere part out of peripheral regions of the pair of cup parts.

Here, by “substantially free of” is meant not having anything functioning as a back part in so-called brassieres, but it does not exclude having anything not functioning as the back part.

This garment having cup parts, in which the tightening part of the main part functions as base and back parts of a so-called brassiere, can support the cup parts on which the own weight of the breast is exerted and press the cup parts against the breast. Hence, enhancing the tightening force of the tightening part can increase the breast shaping property.

Since the brassiere part is joined to the left and right side parts of the main part while remaining parts are free from the main part, the brassiere part and the main part can be inhibited from pulling each other. The cup parts can easily be displaced so as to follow vertical swings of the breast and thus can be inhibited from deviating from the breast. Further, the tightening part can hold the cup parts such that they do not deviate from the breast. Hence, even when the breast shaping property is enhanced, the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast can be increased.

Thus, this garment having cup parts can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

Here, an example of “joining” is sewing, and by “joined to” is meant to encompass cases where the brassiere part is sewn to the left and right side parts of the main body not only directly but also indirectly through an intermediate cloth or the like.

Preferably, the tightening part overlaps with a lower portion of the pair of cup parts. This structure increases the pressing force of the cup parts against the lower portion of the breast and thus can bring the breast more upward, thereby further enhancing the breast shaping property.

Preferably, the tightening part overlaps with a lower side of a side portion of the pair of cup parts. Preferably, the tightening part and the lower side of the side portion of the pair of cup parts overlap by a width greater than the overlapping width between the tightening part and the lower portion of the pair of cup parts. This structure increases the pressing force of the cup parts against the side portions of the breast and thus can move the breast closer to the front center, thereby further enhancing the breast shaping property.

As the overlapping width (area) is greater, the breast shaping property can be made higher. On the other hand, as the overlapping width is smaller, or when there is no overlap, the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast can be made higher.

Preferably, the main part has a neck hem part formed at a position higher than an upper portion of the brassiere part, while a patch is disposed between the neck hem part and the brassiere part. This structure can prevent the chest from being seen from the outside when the wearer stoops down.

Preferably, the main part is provided with a pressing part for pressing a regional part including a vicinity of an upper portion of the brassiere part to a skin in a worn state. According to studies by the inventors, when the wearer makes a movement such as walking, the upper side of a breast top in the breast is more likely to swing than the lower side thereof, and so is the front center side of the breast top than sides thereof. It is further found that pressing upper parts of the left and right breast tops of the breast and an upper region of the front center (a region including a vicinity of an upper portion of the brassiere part) to the skin can be effective in reducing swings of the breast during a movement such as walking. In this structure, the pressing part presses the upper portions of the left and right breast tops of the breast and the region of the front center portion to the skin and thus can reduce swings of the breast when the wearer makes a movement.

Preferably, the front center portion or lowermost periphery of the brassiere part is joined to the main part. This structure can prevent the brassiere part, which is free from the main part, from turning over when worn.

Preferably, the tightening part has a tightening force gradually weakening toward an upward direction or a downward direction. This structure can suppress undulations caused by differences in tightening force (thus yielding a smoothing effect). Extending the tightening part to the abdomen can easily adjust the shape of the abdomen by an appropriate tightening force weaker than the tightening force for shaping the breast.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can enhance, in a garment having a cup part, the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup part to the breast at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a brassiere part and its vicinity in the undergarment depicted in FIG. 1 as seen from the rear side;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line Iv-Iv in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with a seventh embodiment as seen from the rear side;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear side;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear side;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side;

FIGS. 26( a)-26(c) are a set of enlarged views illustrating brassiere parts and their vicinities in undergarments in accordance modified examples of the present invention as seen from the rear side, respectively;

FIGS. 27( a) and 27(b) are diagrams faithfully illustrating results of photographing states of wearing an embodiment and a comparative example, respectively;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with a comparative example of the present invention as seen from the front side; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the undergarment in accordance with the comparative example of the present invention as seen from the back side.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts will be referred to with the same signs.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the first embodiment as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a brassiere part and its vicinity in the undergarment depicted in FIG. 1 as seen from the rear side, while FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3. The undergarment 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 comprises a main part 10 and a brassiere part 20.

The main part 10 exhibits a so-called tank top form and has a tightening part 11. The tightening part 11 extends near the lower portion and the side portions of the breast and further to encircle the back. The tightening part 11 has a tightening force stronger than that in the remainder of the main part 10, i.e., a breast/back upper part 12 and an abdomen loin/back lower part 13. For example, a two-way raschel knit material can be used for the main part 10. For example, the tightening part 11 can be produced by changing the knitted texture (weft knitting, warp knitting, etc.) and knitting yarns (kind, number, number of loops, etc.) when forming the main part 10. The tightening part 11 will be explained later in detail.

The brassiere part 20 is sewn to the rear side of the main part 10 and has a pair of cup parts 21 for covering the breast. Each of the pair of cup parts 21 has a lower pad part 21 pl and an upper pad part 21 pu each extending laterally with a large thickness. The pad parts 21 pl, 21 pu can be formed by molding a core material, for example. The lower pad part 21 pl acts to push up the breast, while the upper pad part 21 pu acts to press the breast pushed up by the lower pad part 21 pl.

Here, the breast pushed up by the lower pad part 21 pl pushes down the upper part of the cup part 21 to the obliquely lower side in front as seen from the wearer, whereby a breast top P falls in silhouette if there is no upper pad part 21 pu. Hence, the breast pushed up by the lower pad part 21 pl is pressed to the breast by the upper pad part 21 pu, whereby the breast top P can be prevented from descending in silhouette.

The pair of cup parts 21 are sewn together through a front center cloth 22 at the front center, while side cloths 23 are sewn to respective upper side of side portions 21 a of the pair of cup parts 21. The left and right cup parts 21 are connected to each other through the front center cloth 22 in this embodiment, but may be done so directly without the front center cloth 22.

An elastic tape 24 is sewn to the rear side of lower portions 21 b and lower side of side portions 21 c of the pair of cup parts 21, the rear side of a lower portion 22 a of the front center cloth 22, and the rear side of lower side of side portions 23 a of the side cloths 23 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S1 in FIG. 4).

The brassiere part 20 is sewn to the front side of left and right sides (side portions) of the main part 10 in upper side of side portions 23 b of the side cloths 23 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S2 in FIG. 3). For example, reinforcement cloths are sewn to a neck hem part 10 a and sleeve hem parts 10 b of the main part 10 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S3 in FIG. 4), while the upper side of the side portions 23 b of the side cloths 23 may be sewn to the sleeve hem parts 10 b. The remainder of the brassiere part 20 is free from the main part 10.

Thus, the brassiere part 20 is substantially free of base, back, and shoulder strap parts provided with a so-called brassiere, while their functions are imparted to the main part 10. Here, the base part is one which is sewn to the lower portions and the lower side of the side portions of a pair of cup parts so as to support the pair of cup parts. The brassiere part 20, which does not have a base part in this embodiment, may further be provided therewith. The back part is one which is sewn to the side portions of the base part so as to encircle the back and support a pair of cup parts.

By “substantially free of” is meant not having anything functioning as the base and back parts, but it does not exclude having anything (e.g., lace fabrics for decoration and the like) not functioning as the base and back parts.

The tightening part 11 in the main part 10 will now be explained in detail. The tightening part 11 covers lower and side of regions R1 of the brassiere part 20 out of peripheral regions of the pair of cup parts 21, and encircles the torso. In other words, the tightening part 11 extends laterally along the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 and encircle the back. That is, the tightening part 11 is provided at positions corresponding to the base and back parts in a so-called brassiere.

Preferably, the front side of the upper portion (upper portion) of the tightening part 11 overlaps with the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 by width W1=W2=about 1 to 3 cm. While the lower portions and the upper side of side portions of cup parts in a brassiere may be reinforced with a non-elastic tape (having a width of about 1 to 3 cm in a master size of C70, for example), a similar reinforcement effect is obtained in this embodiment by overlaying the tightening part 11 on the brassiere part 20.

The tightening force of the tightening part 11 is preferably at least 1.5 times, more preferably about 2 times, that of the breast/back upper part 12 of the main part 10.

In the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the tightening part 11 of the main part 10 functions as the base and back parts in a so-called brassiere and can support the cup parts 21 on which the own weight of the breast is exerted and press the cup parts 21 against the breast. Therefore, increasing the tightening force of the tightening part 11 can enhance the breast shaping property.

In the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the upper side of side portions 21 a (side portions) of the cup parts 21 in the brassiere part 20 are joined to the left and right side portions of the main part 10 through the side cloths 23, while remaining parts are free from the main part 10, whereby the brassiere part 20 and the main part 10 can further be inhibited from pulling each other. The cup parts 21 can easily be displaced so as to follow vertical swings of the breast and restrained from deviating from the breast. The tightening part 11 can further hold the cup parts 21 such that they do not deviate from the breast. Therefore, the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast can be increased even when the breast shaping property is enhanced.

Thus, the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

In the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the tightening part 11 overlaps with the lower portions 21 b of the cup parts 21, whereby the pressing force of the cup parts to the lower portion of the breast increases. This can bring the breast more upward, thereby further enhancing the breast shaping property.

In the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the tightening part 11 overlaps with the lower side of the side portions 21 c of the cup parts 21, whereby the pressing force of the cup parts 21 to the side portions of the breast increases. This can move the breast more toward the front center, thereby further enhancing the breast shaping property.

As the overlapping width W1, W2 is greater (i.e., the overlapping area is larger), the breast shaping property can be made higher. On the other hand, as the overlapping width W1, W2 is narrower (i.e., the overlapping area is smaller), the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast can be made higher.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The undergarment 1A illustrated in FIG. 5 structurally differs from the first embodiment in that it has a main part 10A in place of the main part 10 in the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1A is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

The main part 10A has a tightening part 11A and a breast/back upper part 12A in place of the tightening part 11 and breast/back upper part 12 in the main part 10. The tightening part 11A differs from the tightening part 11 in that the front side of the upper portion of the tightening part 11A does not overlap with the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20. That is, the width of the tightening part 11 is made narrower, which correspondingly increases the width of the breast/back upper part 12A. The material and tightening force of the tightening part 11A are the same as those of the tightening part 11, while the material of the breast/back upper part 12A is the same as that of the breast/back upper part 12.

As with the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the undergarment 1A of the second embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

In the undergarment 1A of the second embodiment, the tightening part 11A does not overlap with the lower portions 21 b and the lower side of the side potions 21 c of the cup parts 21, whereby the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast can further be enhanced.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. The undergarment 1B illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 structurally differs from the first embodiment in that it has a main part 10B in place of the main part 10 in the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1B is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

The main part 10B has tightening parts 14, 15 in addition to and a breast/back upper part 12B and a loin/back lower part 13B in place of the breast/back upper part 12 and loin/back lower part 13 in the main part 10.

The tightening part 14 is arranged between the tightening part 11 and the breast/back upper part 12B and has a tightening force smaller than that of the tightening part 11 but greater than that of the breast/back upper part 12B. The tightening part 14, for which a material similar to that of the tightening part 11 is employable, can be formed by changing the knitted texture and knitting yarn when forming the main part 10. The width of the breast/back upper part 12B is made narrower by that of the tightening part 14, while the breast/back upper part 12B is made of the same material as with the breast/back upper part 12.

The tightening part 15 is arranged at a position covering the abdomen between the tightening part 11 and the loin/back lower part 13B and has a tightening force smaller than that of the tightening part 11 but greater than that of the loin/back lower part 13B. The tightening part 15, for which a material similar to that of the tightening part 11 is employable, can be formed by changing the knitted texture and knitting yarn when forming the main part 10. The width of the loin/back lower part 13B is made narrower by that of the tightening part 15, while the loin/back lower part 13B is made of the same material as with the loin/back lower part 13.

Thus, in the undergarment 1B of the third embodiment, the tightening force caused by the tightening parts 11, 14 gradually weakens toward an upward direction, while the tightening force caused by the tightening parts 11, 15 gradually weakens toward a downward direction (thereby exhibiting a gradation).

As with the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the undergarment 1B of the third embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

Since the tightening force caused by the tightening parts 11, 14 gradually weakens toward an upward direction, while the tightening force caused by the tightening parts 11, 15 gradually weakens toward a downward direction, the undergarment 1B of the third embodiment can reduce undulations caused by differences in tightening force (thus yielding a smoothing effect).

Since the tightening part 15 having a tightening force weaker than that of the tightening part 11 covers the abdomen, the undergarment 1B of the third embodiment can easily adjust the body shape of the abdomen by an appropriate tightening force weaker than that for shaping the breast.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. The undergarment 1C illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 comprises a main part 10C and a brassiere part 20C.

The main part 10C has a tightening part 11C and a breast/back upper part 12C in place of the tightening part 11 and breast/back upper part 12 in the main part 10. The tightening part 11C differs from the tightening part 11 in that it overlaps with the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 by a relatively large area. That is, it overlaps with the lower portions 21 b, 22 a of the brassiere part 20C by width W1=about 1 to 3 cm and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20C by width W2=about 2 to 6 cm (W1<W2). The material and tightening force of the tightening part 11C are the same as those of the tightening part 11.

On the other hand, the chest and neck hem of the breast/back upper part 12C are wide open and have such a form as to show a portion of the brassiere part 20C. The material of the breast/back upper part 12C is the same as that of the breast/back upper part 12.

As with the brassiere part 20, the brassiere part 20C has a pair of cup parts 21. The pair of cup parts 21 are directly sewn to each other with no front center cloth at the front center, while the side cloths 23 are sewn to the respective the upper side of the side portions 21 a of the pair of cup parts 21. An elastic tape 24 is sewn to the rear side of the lower portions 21 b and the lower side of the side portions 21 c of the pair of cup parts 21 and the rear side of the lower side of the side portions 23 a of the side cloths 23. The brassiere part 20C is sewn to the front side of the side portions of the main part 10 in the upper side of the side portions 23 b of the side cloths 23, while the remainder of the brassiere part 20 is free from the main part 10.

Here, the brassiere part 20C is a so-called show-off bra, while the front side of the cup parts 21 is preferably decorated with lace and the like.

As with the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the undergarment 1C of the fourth embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

In the undergarment 1C of the fourth embodiment, the overlapping width W2 of the lower side of the side portions 21 c of the cup parts 21 is larger, whereby the pressing force of the cup parts 21 to the side portions of the breast increases. This can move the breast more toward the front center, thereby further enhancing the breast shaping property. As the overlapping width is greater (i.e., the overlapping area is larger), the breast shaping property can be made higher.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. The undergarment 1D illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 structurally differs from the first embodiment in that it has a main part 10D in place of the main part 10 in the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1D is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

The main part 10D is shaped like a so-called brassiere and has a tightening part 11D and a breast/back upper part 12D. As with the tightening part 11, the tightening part 11D covers lower and side regions R1 of the brassiere part 20 out of peripheral regions of the pair of cup parts 21, and encircles the torso. In other words, the tightening part 11D extends laterally along the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 and encircle the back. The tightening part 11D overlaps with the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 by width W1=W2=about 1 to 3 cm. The material and tightening force of the tightening part 11D are the same as those of the tightening part 11, while the material of the breast/back upper part 12D is the same as that of the breast/back upper part 12.

The undergarment 1D of the fifth embodiment can have advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. The undergarment 1E illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 structurally differs from the fourth embodiment in that it comprises a main part 10E in place of the main part 10C in the undergarment 1C. Except for this point, the undergarment 1E is constructed as with the undergarment 1C.

The main part 10E is shaped like a so-called brassiere and has a tightening part 11E and a breast/back upper part 12E. As with the tightening part 11C, the tightening part 11E overlaps with the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20C by a relatively large area. That is, it overlaps with the lower portions 21 b, 22 a of the brassiere part 20C by width W1=about 1 to 3 cm and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20C by width W2=about 2 to 6 cm (W1<W2). The material and tightening force of the tightening part 11D are the same as those of the tightening part 11C.

On the other hand, the chest and neck hem of the breast/back upper part 12E are wide open and have such a form as to show a portion of the brassiere part 20C. The material of the breast/back upper part 12E is the same as that of the breast/back upper part 12C. The back center of the main part 10E is provided with an engagement part 16 constituted by a hook, a ring, and the like.

As with the undergarment 1 of the fourth embodiment, the undergarment 1E of the sixth embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

The undergarment 1C of the fourth embodiment is easy to put on and off, since the back center of the main part 10E is provided with the engagement part 16.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with the seventh embodiment as seen from the rear side, while FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14. The undergarment 1F illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 comprises a patch (pressing part) 17 in addition to the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1F is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

The patch 17 is arranged between the neck hem part 10 a of the main part 10 and the brassiere part 20 on the rear side of the brassiere part 20. The patch 17 has an upper portion 17 a sewn to the neck hem part 10 a at a position higher than the upper portion of the brassiere part 20 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S3 in FIG. 15). The patch 17 has a lower portion 17 b sewn to the lower portions 21 b, 22 a and the lower side of the side portions 21 c, 23 a of the brassiere part 20 together with the elastic tape 24 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S1 in FIG. 15).

As with the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment, the undergarment 1F of the seventh embodiment can enhance the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

In the undergarment 1F of the seventh embodiment, the patch 17 can prevent the chest from being seen from the outside when the wearer stoops down.

According to studies by the inventors, when the wearer makes a movement such as walking, the upper side of a breast top P in the breast is more likely to swing than the lower side thereof, and so is the front center side of the breast top P than sides thereof. It is further proved that pressing a regions of upper portions of the left and right breast tops P of the breast and upper portion of the front center (a region including a vicinity of the upper portion of the brassiere part 20) R2 to the skin can be effective in reducing swings of the breast during a movement such as walking.

In the undergarment 1F of the seventh embodiment, the patch (pressing part) 17 presses the region R2 in the upper portions and the front center portions of the left and right breast tops P of the breast so as to enclose it and thus can reduce swings of the breast when the wearer makes a movement.

While the seventh embodiment illustrates an example in which the patch is provided on the skin side of the brassiere part 20, this does not restrict how to dispose the patch. The patch may be provided as in the following eighth and ninth embodiments, for example, as long as it can prevent the chest from being seen from the outside and press the region in the upper portions and the front center portions of the left and right breast tops P of the breast to the skin.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with the eighth embodiment as seen from the rear side, while FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16. The undergarment 1G illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from the seventh embodiment in that the patch (pressing part) 17 is arranged between the brassiere part 20 and the main part 10 in the undergarment 1F. Except for this point, the undergarment 1G is constructed as with the undergarment 1F.

The undergarment 1G of the eighth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1F of the seventh embodiment.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view illustrating the brassiere part and its vicinity in an undergarment in accordance with the ninth embodiment as seen from the rear side, while FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. The undergarment 1H illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 comprises a patch (pressing part) 17H in place of the patch 17 in the undergarment 1F. Except for this point, the undergarment 1H is constructed as with the undergarment 1F.

The patch 17H is arranged on the brassiere part 20. The patch 17H has an upper side 17 a sewn to the neck hem part 10 a at a position higher than the upper portion of the brassiere part 20 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S3 in FIG. 19). The patch 17H has a lower portion 17 b sewn to the upper portion of the brassiere part 20, i.e., the upper portions of the cup parts 21 and the upper portion of the center cloth 22 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S7 in FIG. 19).

The undergarment 1H of the ninth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1F of the seventh embodiment.

While the seventh to ninth embodiments are provided with the patches 17, 17H in order to prevent the chest from being seen from the outside and press the region in the upper portions of the left and right breast tops of the breast and the upper portion of the front center to the skin, tightening parts may be used in place of the patches 17, 17H as in the following tenth and eleventh embodiments, for example.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The undergarment 1I illustrated in FIG. 20 structurally differs from the first embodiment in that it comprises a main part 10I in place of the main part 10 in the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1I is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

The main part 10I structurally differs from the main part 10 in that it further comprises a tightening part (pressing part) 18. The tightening part 18 is disposed in the region R2 in the upper portions and front center portions of the tops P of the breast. When the upper portions of the cup parts 21 are divided into front center side of upper portions 21 d, breast top upper portions 21 e, and side side of upper portions 21 f in this embodiment, the tightening part 18 overlaps with the breast top upper portions 21 e and the side side of the upper portions 21 f. The tightening part 18 is only required to overlap with at least the breast top upper portions 21 e out of the upper portions of the cup parts 21 and may overlap with all the upper portions of the cup parts 21, i.e., the front center side of the upper portions 21 d, the breast top upper portions 21 e, and the side side of the upper portions 21 f. The tightening part 18 can employ a material similar to that of the tightening part 11.

The undergarment 1I of the tenth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarments 1F to 1H of the seventh to ninth embodiments. That is, the tightening part 18 can prevent the chest from being seen from the outside when the wearer stoops down. Since the tightening part (pressing part) 18 presses the region R2 in the upper portions and center front portions of the left and right breast tops P of the breast to the skin, swings of the breast can be reduced when the wearer makes a movement.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front and back sides, respectively. The undergarment 1J illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 structurally differs from the tenth embodiment in that it comprises a main part 10J in place of the main part 10I in the undergarment 1I. Except for this point, the undergarment 1J is constructed as with the undergarment 1I.

The main part 10J structurally differs from the main part 10I in that it comprises a tightening part (pressing part) 18J in place of the tightening part 18. The tightening part 18J is provided in the region R2 in the upper portions and the center front portions of the breast tops P of the breast and further encircle the back. The tightening part 18J overlaps with the breast top upper portions 21 e and the side side of the upper portions 21 f out of the upper portions of the cup parts 21 in this embodiment as well. The tightening part 18J can employ a material similar to that of the tightening part 18.

The undergarment 1J of the eleventh embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1I of the tenth embodiment.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the twelfth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The undergarment 1K illustrated in FIG. 23 structurally differs from the fifth embodiment in that it comprises a main part 10K in place of the main part 10D in the undergarment 1D. Except for this point, the undergarment 1K is constructed as with the undergarment 1D.

The main part 10K structurally differs from the fifth embodiment in that it comprises a tightening part (pressing part) 18K in addition to the main part 10D. The tightening part 18K is similar to the tightening part 18 in the undergarment 1I. That is, the tightening part 18K is provided in the region R2 in the upper portions and the center front portions of the breast tops P of the breast and overlaps with the breast top upper portions 21 e and the side side of the upper portions 21 f out of the upper portions of the cup parts 21.

The undergarment 1K of the twelfth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarments 1I and 1J of the tenth and eleventh embodiments. The undergarment 1K of the twelfth embodiment is suitable for a sports bra.

Thirteenth Embodiment

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The undergarment 1L illustrated in FIG. 24 differs from the first embodiment in that a portion of the lower sides 21 b, 22 a in the brassiere part 20 is secured to the main part 10 in the undergarment 1. Except for this point, the undergarment 1L is constructed as with the undergarment 1.

Specifically, front center portions of the brassiere part 20, i.e., a portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j, are sewn to the main part 10. The portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j may be sewn to the main part 10 directly or through a reinforcement member such as a tape. The reinforcement member such as a tape may be applied between the main part 10 and the front center cloth 22 or to the skin side of the front center cloth 22. The portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j may be sewn to the main part 10 in dots as illustrated in FIG. 24. Instead of sewing the portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 in dots as mentioned above, a center portion of the center cloth 22 may be sewn vertically. Alternatively, the front center cloth 22 may appropriately be sewn to the main part 10 according to specifications of the main part 10 and the like. Instead of sewing the lowermost periphery portions 21 j to the main part 10, vicinities of the lowermost periphery portions 21 j may be sewn vertically or laterally.

While this embodiment illustrates an example in which a portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j are connected to the main part 10 by sewing, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j may be connected to the main part 10 by other joining methods such as adhesion instead of sewing.

While this embodiment illustrates an example in which a portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j are connected to the main part 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one of the portion 22 b of the front center cloth 22 and lowermost periphery portions 21 j may be connected to the main part 10 by sewing or the like.

The undergarment 1L of the thirteenth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1 of the first embodiment.

The undergarment 1L of the thirteenth embodiment can also prevent the brassiere part 20, which is free from the main part 10, from turning over when worn.

Fourteenth Embodiment

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an undergarment in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The undergarment 1M illustrated in FIG. 25 differs from the sixth embodiment in that a portion of the lower sides 21 b and front center part 21 h of the brassiere part 20C are secured to the main part 10E in the undergarment 1E. Except for this point, the undergarment 1M is constructed as with the undergarment 1E.

Specifically, the lowermost periphery portions of the brassiere part 20C, i.e., the lowermost periphery portions 21 g and front center portion 21 h of the cup parts 21, are sewn to the main part 10E. In this embodiment, the left and right cup parts 21 are connected to each other without the front center cloth, while the front center portion 21 h means a part where the left and right cup parts are connected to each other so as to be adjacent to each other. The lowermost periphery portions 21 g and the front center portion 21 h of the cup parts 21 may be sewn to the main part 10E directly or through a reinforcement member such as a tape. The reinforcement member such as a tape may be applied between the main part 10E and the cup parts 21 or to the skin side of the cup parts 21. The lowermost periphery portions 21 g and the front center portion 21 h may be sewn to the main part 10E in dots as illustrated in FIG. 25. The lowermost periphery portions 21 g and the front center portion 21 h may be sewn to the main part 10E vertically or laterally.

While the lowermost periphery portions 21 g of the cup parts 21 are sewn to the main part 10E in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, peripheral portions of the lowermost periphery portions 21 g may be sewn to the main part. Thus, the position at which the main part 10E is sewn to the cup parts 21 may be separated from the lowermost periphery portions 21 g to some extent.

While this embodiment illustrates an example in which the front center portion 21 h and lowermost periphery portions 21 g are sewn to the main part 10E, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one of the front center portion 21 h and lowermost periphery portions 21 g may be sewn to the main part 10E according to specifications of the cup parts 21 and the like.

The undergarment 1M of the fourteenth embodiment can obtain advantages similar to those of the undergarment 1E of the sixth embodiment and those of the undergarment 1L of the thirteenth embodiment.

The present invention can be modified in various ways without being restricted to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, while the embodiments exemplify a case of producing tightening parts by changing the knitted texture (weft knitting, warp knitting, etc.) and knitting yarns (kind, number, number of loops, etc.) when forming the main part, methods of forming the tightening parts are not limited thereto. For example, parts having different tightening forces (e.g., the tightening part 11, breast/back upper part 12, and abdomen loin/back lower part 13) may be formed by different cloths, which are sewn with seam lines (cut lines). The tightening parts may be sewn as a patch to the main part or attached thereto with an adhesive or the like. The tightening parts may also be formed by opal finishing (etching) or coating the main part with a resin such as polyester or urethane (resin processing).

While the embodiments employ a two-way raschel knit material for the main part, materials for the main part are not limited thereto. For example, the main part may employ bare jersey and the like. When formed as a patch, the tightening parts may employ power net, satin power net, and tricot materials and the like.

While the cup parts 21 are sewn to the side portions on the upper side of the front side of the side portions of the main part 10 through the side cloths 23 sewn to their upper side of the side portions 21 a (side portions) in the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be sufficient if the cup parts are connected to the left and right side parts of the main part. More specifically, for example as illustrated in FIG. 26( a), the side cloths 23 may be sewn to the lower side of side portions 21 c (side portions) of the cup parts 21 and further to the side portions on the lower side of the front side of the side portions of the main part 10 (as illustrated by a sewing sign S4).

Without the side cloths 23, the upper side of side portions 21 a of the cup parts 21 may directly be sewn to the side portions on the upper side of the front side of the side portions of the main part 10 as illustrated in FIG. 26( b) (as indicated by a sewing sign S5), or the lower side of side portions 21 c of the cup parts 21 may directly be sewn to the side portions of the main part 10 as illustrated in FIG. 26( c) (as indicated by a sewing sign S6).

The cup parts may be attached to the side portions of the main part 10 by combining any two or all of the sewing parts S4 to S6 illustrated in FIGS. 26( a) to 26(c).

While the above-mentioned embodiments explain examples in which sewing is performed at the respective positions indicated by the sewing signs S1 to S7, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, members may be connected to each other by using other connection methods such as adhesion and welding instead of sewing at the positions indicated by the sewing signs S1 to S7.

While the embodiments illustrate undergarment having a tank top form as an example of a garment having cup parts, characteristic features of the embodiments are applicable to all of various undergarments covering at least the breast such as slips and camisoles. Characteristic features of the embodiments are applicable to all of various kinds of outerwear covering at least the breast such as T-shirts and one-piece suits as well as undergarments (innerwear). They are further applicable to various garments covering at least the breast such as swimsuits which are special-purpose garments other than everyday garments.

Example 1

The undergarment 1B of the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 was produced as an example and evaluated in comparison with a comparative example.

The comparative example used in comparison with the example is an undergarment 1X having cup parts illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, which is a conventional product from another company.

In the evaluation, a tester wearing each of the example of the present invention and the comparative example performed 10 times each of stretching, twisting, and jumping and then was photographed sideways. The photographed results are faithfully illustrated in FIG. 27. FIGS. 27( a) and 27(b) illustrate the photographed results of how the undergarments 1 and 1X of the example and comparative example were worn, respectively.

The evaluation verified the following matters. First, according to FIG. 27, it was seen that the breast shaping property was lower and higher in the comparative example and the example, respectively. Noteworthy in particular is that the tightening part 11 can form a beautiful silhouette along an underline of the breast. It was also seen from FIG. 27 that the abdomen was slack in the comparative example, while the example was able to adjust the shape of the abdomen with the tightening part 15. Since FIG. 27 illustrates the state after the movements, the example was also seen to have high motion followability.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In garments having cup parts, the present invention can be used for enhancing the breast shaping property and the motion followability of the cup parts to the breast at the same time.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1X . . .         undergarment (garment having cup parts)     -   10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 101, 10J, 10K, 10X . . . main part     -   10 a . . . neck hem part of the main part     -   10 b . . . sleeve hem part of the main part     -   11, 11A, 11C, 11D, 11E, 14, 15 . . . tightening part     -   12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E . . . breast/back upper part     -   13 . . . abdomen loin/back lower part     -   13B . . . abdomen loin/back lower part     -   16 . . . engagement part     -   17, 17H . . . patch (pressing part)     -   17 a . . . upper portion of the patch     -   17 b . . . lower portion of the patch     -   18, 18J, 18K . . . tightening part (pressing part)     -   20, 20C, 20X . . . brassiere part     -   21, 21X . . . cup part     -   21 a . . . upper side of side portion of the cup part (side         part)     -   21 b . . . lower portion of the cup part (lower portion of the         brassiere part)     -   21 c . . . lower side of side portion of the cup part (side         portion; lower side of side portion of the brassiere part)     -   21 d . . . front center side of upper portion of the cup part         (upper portion of the brassiere part)     -   21 e . . . breast top upper portion of the cup part (upper         portion of the brassiere part)     -   21 f . . . side side of upper portion of the cup part (upper         portion of the brassiere part)     -   21 pl . . . lower pad part of the cup part     -   21 pu . . . upper pad part of the cup part     -   22 . . . front center cloth     -   22 a . . . lower portion of the front center cloth (lower         portion of the brassiere part)     -   23, 23X . . . side cloth     -   23 a . . . lower side of side portion of the side cloth (lower         side of side portion of the brassiere part)     -   23 b . . . upper side of side portion of the side cloth     -   24 . . . elastic tape     -   31X . . . base part     -   32X . . . back part 

1. A garment having a cup part, the garment comprising a brassiere part having a pair of cup parts for covering breasts and a main part incorporating the brassiere part therein, the brassiere part being substantially free of a back part encircling a back to support the pair of cup parts; wherein the brassiere part is provided so as to join to left and right side parts of the main part, while remaining parts are free from the main part; wherein the main part has a tightening part covering at least lower and side regions of the brassiere part out of peripheral regions of the pair of cup parts, and encircling a torso.
 2. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the tightening part has an upper part disposed so as to overlap with a lower portion of the pair of cup parts.
 3. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the tightening part has an upper part disposed so as to overlap with a lower side of a side portion of the pair of cup parts.
 4. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the tightening part has an upper part disposed so as to overlap with a lower portion and a lower side of a side portion of the pair of cup parts; and wherein the tightening part and the lower side of the side portion of the pair of cup parts overlap by a width greater than the overlapping width between the tightening part and the lower portion of the pair of cup parts.
 5. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the main part has a neck hem part formed at a position higher than an upper portion of the brassiere part, and wherein a patch is disposed between the neck hem part and the brassiere part.
 6. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the main part is provided with a pressing part for pressing a regional part including a vicinity of an upper portion of the brassiere part to a skin in a worn state.
 7. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a front center portion and lowermost periphery of the brassiere part is joined to the main part.
 8. A garment having a cup part according to claim 1, wherein the tightening part has a tightening force gradually weakening toward an upward direction or a downward direction. 